NGC Journalshttps://www.ngccoin.com/boards/rss/1-ngc-journals.xml/NGC JournalsenUpdate on Roman Empire, Page 6 Golden Age I, Marciana bronze featuring Pelops reversehttps://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/256-update-on-roman-empire-page-6-golden-age-i-marciana-bronze-featuring-pelops-reverse/The latest update on the "Roman Empire" collection is that I finished and uploaded my Owner's Comments for my ancient bronze representing Marciana, sister of Emperor Trajan.
This particular coin features Pelops on the reverse, at least that is what the inscription and many sources lead me to believe, even if NGC provides the attribution with a question mark (admittedly, Pelops is usually depicted on a chariot, not on horseback).
In any case, the mythology surrounding Pelops is an interesting one, and provides a fable for the origin of the Olympic Games. Therefore, I took the opportunity to discuss the tale of Pelops, the Olympics in ancient times, and how the event's prestige increased during Rome's Golden Age. Within this backdrop, I also discuss what we know about Marciana, who by all accounts was a noblewoman of great virtue who enjoyed a close relationship with not only her brother, but also her sister-in-law, the Empress Plotina. Marciana was the first sister of an Emperor to be named Augusta, and the first to be deified. She also was the first Roman woman (along with her daughter Matidia) to have her own dedicated temple complex in Rome.
If you are interested in more details, please see my full Owner's Comments here...
https://coins.www.collectors-society.com/wcm/coinview.aspx?sc=450508
And here is a link to the Roman Empire collection...
https://coins.www.collectors-society.com/wcm/CoinCustomSetView.aspx?s=16365Sun, 20 May 2018 20:56:37 +00002003 D NICKEL IS IT 6 FULL STEPS ? need helphttps://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/255-2003-d-nickel-is-it-6-full-steps-need-help/I need a second opinion if i got it right counting the steps of this 2003 D Nickel with errors on obverse and reverse. Please feel free to view the video in this
URL : https://youtu.be/b4wNu9137pESun, 20 May 2018 11:55:08 +0000Collecting my older journalshttps://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/254-collecting-my-older-journals/Journals from 2016
When was this coin minted?
Transitions within Transitions
Top Executive Accepts Kickback
Custom Set Collage
When the Colony becomes the Ruler
A Sky Blue '60
Reflection on a Collection
Nephew's First Coin
Lights-Camera-Action
The Silver Dollars of '60
Second Chances
Custom Sets Question
Journals from 2015
A Tale of Two Cities
England without a monarch!
A rose by any other name...
My Three Suns
US Silver Dollar Mint Type Set
Light and Shadow
Old Map -- New Presentation
Two goals in one!
Journals from 2014
The Fix for Coins Misaligned in their Holders
Hey, this guy has a face!
The Ugly Truth About 8 Reales
Beautiful Thaler from Baltimore
Losing and Rebuilding a World Class Collection
Surprise Gold Acquisition
Started My Fencing Coin Custom Set
My First US Silver Dollar!
Journals from 2013
The 8 Reales Pinnacle
When does bidding really close at a live auction?
Controversial Deaccession
Real de a Ocho de Dos Mundos
Pandamonium strikes!
First Gold
Amazing 8s
Spanish Eight Reales countermarked as English Dollars
Early Milled Eight Reales of New Spain
This REALLY Bugs Me!
The Raw Coin Submission Blues
Just passed 100K Registry Points!!!Sat, 19 May 2018 18:49:00 +0000Update on Roman Empire, Page 4 "Decadence" = Caligula bronzehttps://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/253-update-on-roman-empire-page-4-decadence-caligula-bronze/The latest update to the my NGC Ancients Custom Set entitled "The Roman Empire" is that I finished and posted my Owner's Comments for my ancient bronze featuring the notorious Emperor Caligula.
While I don't want to go into the entirety of my comments, I will provide here an intriguing except...
In addition to scandalous accounts still sensationalized in modern media, Caligula left behind a rich and interesting coinage. This bronze is of particular interest, contemporaneous with Caligula’s metamorphosis into a monster, even if the extent of monstrosity is subject to historical interpretation.
Here is a link to the coin...
https://coins.www.collectors-society.com/wcm/coinview.aspx?sc=321747
And here is a link to the collection...
https://coins.www.collectors-society.com/wcm/CoinCustomSetGallery.aspx?s=16365Thu, 10 May 2018 06:28:00 +0000THIS IS BECOMING ALL TOO COMMON!https://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/252-this-is-becoming-all-too-common/When I first started collecting the $20 Canadian silver coins, I was told NGC would not grade the "snowflake" issues. They contain crystals that may come loose and therefore are not gradable. My how times have changed. Now the "catch phrase seems to be "colored outside the mint" I am out good deal of time and money for this excuse to grade a coin that is submitted with a COA, and charged for no grading, or encapsulation. Limited numbers are being plated or colorized, and many more to come. Our US coins aren't even struck in the mint they claim to be struck in. If NGC is afraid the enamel will fall off, why are we signing a release when submitted?
I just had 2 more become "ungradable" and have more (8), of the same to be graded. There needs to be a list of coins that NGC will not grade. Now I have 2 collections that are missing completion. At close to $100.00 per coin and $30 each to not grade them, it is ludicrous.
There will be many more (collectors) trying to make sets with high grades, but now we have been halted by "policy." There needs to be a current list, or a change in the grading procedure. SmartMint is coming fast and then we will see. No one even knows where, or what entity even strike them anymore. Why should NGC care about the colorization on so few specimens?
if they are not colorized at "the" mint. Where are they done? Why do B.H. Mayer and CIT exchange coins? I also have a few other colorized coins that came from "the" mint.
Collectors need a list before we engage in the purchase of coins that are "worthless."Mon, 07 May 2018 20:41:32 +0000Scheduled for grading with a twist!https://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/251-scheduled-for-grading-with-a-twist/Today my invoice says "Scheduled for grading", I click on the invoice number and it has a format of the coins I sent. Look below, here is the problem, spotted an error on Line 11. They call it a 2A, should be a 4A. Thats like calling a morgan silver dollar a walking liberty half. Big difference in size and value! Called up NGC customer service and spoke to Kevin who was helpful and gave me his email and told me to write what the invoice # is and the problem and he would let the grading side know. Just sent it now, hope it gets corrected! I'm even more pumped and like a kid waiting for a toy store to open up now that its scheduled for grading.........Thu, 03 May 2018 20:33:00 +0000Obsessed with status of submissionhttps://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/250-obsessed-with-status-of-submission/Anyone (first time submitter or have submitted before) obsessively check their submission tracking info daily? I find myself daily looking at submission tracking to see what the status is. Mine recently got tracked as received and I find myself checking daily to see the progress! Can't wait to see it go to Schedule for Grading and so on.Wed, 02 May 2018 17:51:06 +0000A Curious 1804 Bank of England Dollarhttps://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/249-a-curious-1804-bank-of-england-dollar/In February of 1797, ongoing war and the threat of invasion from the French Republic triggered a run on the Bank of England. To meet the demand for silver coinage, in March, the Bank was authorized to release foreign currency from its silver reserves, almost entirely Spanish 8 reales. These emergency issues were countermarked at the Royal Mint with a small oval stamp with the bust of King George III -- a stamp that had been in use for hallmarking silver plate. One of my earliest journal posts featured an example of this type. The dollars had a fixed value of 4 shillings and 9 pence but as the price of silver dropped counterfeiters began passing 8 reales with false stamps and eventually forced the recall of these issues in the Fall of 1797. In 1803, renewed war once again affected silver circulation and countermarked 8 reales were issued in January of 1804 using an octagonal stamp of the king's head. False stamps quickly followed and forced the recall of the issues by June of 1804.
Clearly a method that would be hard to counterfeit was needed. Fortunately, for the Bank of England, the Soho Foundry of Matthew Boulton and James Watt had been established with Boulton's newly invented steam powered screw press. In May of 1804 the foundry was commissioned to use a previously designed dollar pattern to fully overstrike the 8 reales. These issues were much harder to counterfeit and proved to be so successful that they were issued from 1804 to 1811, although all show the 1804 date, and were not removed from circulation until 1816.
The power of the steam driven press typically obliterated the host coin's details, but occasionally you will see one that still shows some underlying details and that's what attracted me to my example. This one, a new purchase from Heritage Auctions, is a raw example so I took the opportunity to examine it in detail. Curiously, a section of the host coin is thinner -- where CAROLUS is visible under George's bust and ET IND shows on the reverse. I can make out a date of 180? but I can't see a mintmark. Of interest is the edge which still shows much of the alternating rectangle and circle design albeit oddly curving from top to bottom.
Now the funny part. This coin only weights 25.67 grams and compared to a full weight 8 reales at 27.0674 grams, even with loss to circulation, it seemed too low. That plus the uneven thickness and the wandering edge design made me suspicious. So I measured the thickness (averaged over four spots) and diameter and calculated its volume. After converting the volume from cubic mm to cubic cm you can divide the weight by volume to get the specific gravity. A 90% silver/10% copper coin has a specific gravity of 10.3 but mine is 9.5 which means there could only be about 40% silver content. Assuming that the overstrike is genuine (I have to trust Heritage on that) this appears to be a contemporary counterfeit 8 reales host coin ("contemporary" meaning that it circulated at the same time as genuine issues) . Now, I'm not at all disappointed to discover this -- I think it's a much more interesting coin this way. 8 reales have been heavily counterfeited over time and the problem remains between distinguishing contemporary ones, later ones made for trade with China and modern forgeries. With the overstrike occurring in the 1804-1811 time-frame, this one falls into the contemporary counterfeit category (a collectable category on its own).
~jack
edits for typos and clarity.Sun, 29 Apr 2018 05:14:00 +0000Latest round of Grading: The Good, the Bad and the Uglyhttps://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/248-latest-round-of-grading-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/I just received my coins from my latest round of NGS ancient grading.
These were received at NGC on March 5th, so the turnaround was slower than usual, I guess NGC is pretty busy?
In any case, here are the results...
4282124-001
Cornelia Supera bronze graded VF, Strike 5/5, Surface 3/5
This one came out as I expected, and I am looking forward to writing my comments on this one, especially how the Romans worshipped Cybele.
4282124-002
Marciana bronze graded XF, Strike 5/5, Surface 3/5
Pretty much what I expected...I was pleased with the grade of XF, but I thought I might earn a better surface grade.
4282124-003
Aelia Eudocia tremissis graded AU, Strike 4/5, Surface 3/5
I was very pleased with the grade on this one. I was a bit surprised at the comment of "ex jewelry" since the auction site that I obtained this from didn't mention anything. I have examined the coin myself, and it is not obviously to me how NGC came to that conclusion? Not that I doubt NGC's analysis, but am curious how they determined this?
4282124-004
Orbiana denarius graded MS, Strike 5/5, Surface 3/5
I was delighted to receive an MS, but I thought the surface would grade higher.
4282124-005
Gordian II, ancient counterfeit denarius.
This one came back as not eligible for grading.
I was disappointed to see that, especially since NGC ancients has previously graded ancient counterfeits. Although this is admittedly an ugly-looking coin, it has an extremely fascinating history, so I am inclined to keep it in the collection. I am not sure what the "official rule" might be for inclusion of such coins in an NGC custom set, but, at least for now, I am keeping the coin in the collection, at least until I found a decent substitute. This is one of about a dozen ancient coins I have submitted that NGC has deemed ineligible for grading...I really would like to add these coins to my collection since they would add a lot of interest in the context of a custom ancient set...so I wonder if there is any mechanism to "petition" NGC or something like that to have more ancient coin types eligible for grading?
4282124-006
Vetranio centenionalis graded MS, Strike 5/5, Surface 4/5.
I was happy to see this grade, although I thought I had a shot at Ch MS and/or a star designation since this coin has a lot of eye appeal.
4282124-007
Johannes bronze, graded F, Strike 4/5, Surface 3/5.
What I expected...even though F is a "bad" grade, Johannes' coinage is quite rare, and particularly difficult to obtain in any medium to high grade.
4282124-008
Gepids coinage was deemed not eligible for grading. Again, I would dearly love to include in my collection since it would add a lot of interest. Again, I have the same comment as above - I wonder if there is any mechanism to "petition" NGC or something like that to have more ancient coin types eligible for grading?
That is it for this round, all the coins are added to my Roman Empire NGC ancient Custom Set, here is the link...
https://coins.www.collectors-society.com/wcm/CoinCustomSetGallery.aspx?s=16365
I will keep updating as I get more coins included and Owner's Comments added, etc.Sat, 28 Apr 2018 19:26:00 +0000my not colorizedhttps://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/247-my-not-colorized/In response to my journal about the 14 day turn around. I sent them in with the Modern tier, World coins. Also here is my colorized coin rejected as colorized outside the mint.Sat, 28 Apr 2018 00:10:48 +0000COLORED COINShttps://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/246-colored-coins/I have sent a few colored silver Ghana coins to be graded, with the COA, yet they cannot be graded according to NGC policy.
See what you think?
The reply:
Thank you for your email. Unfortunately, we are not able to grade coins that have been colored or altered in any way after being produced from the mint per our grading policy. The alterations may have an effect on the metal and therefore we cannot guarantee the grade and condition of the coin. Thank you
I rest my case.Thu, 26 Apr 2018 20:50:21 +0000Coin Gradinghttps://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/245-coin-grading/When you submit coins for grading, it asks MS or PF. There is no PL, RP, SP SRP space.. If we are to go by the old standards, a PL coin is an MS base. An SP coin seems to be both, MS and PF. Now we have reverse proof(RP), and Special reverse Proof (SRP?) Colorized, antiqued, plated, and a host of types that are emerging in almost every Country, and will be here soon.
I started a set to find out that only 1 coin, out of the 10-15 that I sent to be graded, will have a slot in any collection. I see the Palladium coin has an MS PL variety.....hmmmm?
My Canadian Anniversary proofs will be a nightmare. They already are too late for ER pedigree. So much for Express mail and special handling.
I hope to see a few sets either combined, or actual revised to reflect the actual coins in the set. So far, I am thoroughly confused.Thu, 26 Apr 2018 20:26:22 +0000First submission! Excited and can't wait!https://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/244-first-submission-excited-and-cant-wait/First submission despite having been collecting coins/been around coins for such a long time and being a member here and across the street for over a decade!
I first started collecting US coins but now consider myself a darksider (collecting world coins, specifically thailand). I have a custom set on the registry as it includes both pcgs and ngc coins. A majority of older thai coins are raw and many are in poor condition/damaged. Its been a challenge getting slabbed coins as their aren't too many, but its been fun looking and acquiring slabbed coins for my collection. I have also been getting raw coins with the intention of submitting them..........well I pulled the trigger and signed up as a member and then filled out the forms and sent in 19 coins that I hope will grade and be added to my custom registry!! Waiting is the hard part now!!Wed, 25 Apr 2018 19:05:06 +0000Finally a new release that is in huge demandhttps://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/243-finally-a-new-release-that-is-in-huge-demand/So, I was getting a little tired and fatigued over all the coins that the RCM has been releasing over the past few years. The designs have been great, the themes often tired, and they fell into a market with little demand.
Then this came along:
https://www.coincommunity.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=317284
Although obscure to the rest of the globe, I am excited that the RCM has released a piece of nostalgia that is unique to growing up in Canada. Captain Canuck is our cheesy, well-mannered version of Captain America. As with all Canadian content, he was a low-budget defender of all things Canadian 🤣.
I really hope this kicks off more Canada-themed pop-culture coins in the future. I must admit, the rapid rise in price is also a welcome change in this market, as many other coins have depreciated after initial release.Wed, 25 Apr 2018 18:58:44 +000014 DAY SUBMISSION??? REALLY??https://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/242-14-day-submission-really/WOW!!! I sent in 18 World coins to NGC on April 10th via small flat rate priority mail. They received it on the 12th. The 13th of April, the tracker said received and verified. I checked the tracker and it said scheduled for grading on the 16th of April. The 17th of April it said finalized/shipped. WHAT THE F!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can it be?????????? Received it this morning the 24th of April. Only 7 days to ship here. Other submissions took 2 weeks or more. WHAT'S UP WITH THIS?????? Anyone have any thoughts on this miraculous turnaround. By the way I was very pleased with the grades on this submission. Of which all my previous submissions have been less than rewarding. I sent in this submission because I have been waiting for a particular coin to get to complete a set I have been striving to complete for years. Now it's time to add them to the registry and then later this summer put them up for sale, God willing. For all you who remember, my health is stable for now which is good I guess. I am recovering right now from a major surgery that has really drained my gas tank (emotional and physical). Folks, please try to keep the journals going. I look everyday and sometimes days/weeks go by and the same last three posted show up. IT IS DISHEARTENING to see what it has become. DAMN IT NGC GET YOUR TOGETHER AND PUT IT BACK THE WAY IT WAS OR FIX IT SOMEHOW. LISTEN TO YOUR MEMBERS. THEY!!!!!!!!!!! ARE THE ONES WHO MADE YOU. Don't go the way of Ebay. Us small sellers made Ebay and now they cowtow to the big internet sellers and national businesses. Just DON'T go there. I am Formally known as Eagles-r-It. And my favorite color is ORANGE.Tue, 24 Apr 2018 15:54:33 +0000They killed the Collectors Society.https://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/241-they-killed-the-collectors-society/I have been a member here for about ten years or so. I can remember when I first discovered the Collectors Society, it was great. I had a growing collection and could list all my coins in one place. There was (and still is) a really good inventory report which I used yearly with each set to check progress and changing values. Then, someone got the idea to ban PCGS, first from the world coins, then everything. If you had them already documented here, they could stay. Needless to say, this ruined any inventory reports since they could not be updated, same with the competitive sets and photos.
Now they have ruined a wonderful part of the page, the journals. It was possible to check a profile, see their coins and sets, and sort of get to know other collectors by their stories and seeing and hearing about their new found treasures. Now there are no stories except a very few. There was quite a period of complaints but I saw no change.
Too bad, this was once a very vibrant and interesting site. I have always had NGC, PCGS, other TPGs, and raw coins, I will always collect but remember when this was a lot more interesting place. Sad...Wed, 18 Apr 2018 00:26:00 +00001560 Mansfeld thaler, What's so Special?https://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/240-1560-mansfeld-thaler-whats-so-special/Mon, 16 Apr 2018 03:27:00 +00003 Coins with a Dark Past ...https://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/239-3-coins-with-a-dark-past/The 1992 Canada S$15 Plain Edge Olympic Rarities
Link to the set: https://coins.www.collectors-society.com/registry/coins/SetListing.aspx?PeopleSetID=173349
The PF69 example of this coin is 1 of 3 known examples certified by NGC. This coin has a very dubious history and an extremely interesting pedigree. This coin was originally acquired by Ohio lobbyist Tom Noe in 1998 for his $50 million rare coin investment fund headed by his company ‘Capital Coin’. The fund held this coin, and two others like it (in PF68 grade) as part of the pension fund for the Ohio Worker’s Party. Sometime before 2005, the coins were sold to Greg Manning and Jim Halperin in a closed auction. In 2005, Noe was found to have been illegally skimming money from the coin fund and was sentenced to 18 years in prison. Greg Manning and Jim Halperin then sold the coins to Mike Byers in a closed auction. Greg Manning was later accused of purchasing coins below market value from ‘Capital Coin’ but was never convicted of any wrongdoing. Mike Byers is a self-proclaimed expert in rare coins from around the World. The coins were then split up in 2009-2012, with the two PF68 examples being sold to Ian Russel of Irvine, California and the PF69 example being sold to Alan Hager (former founder of Accugrade coins and himself tied to an ANA lawsuit accusing his company ‘Accugrade or ACG’ of grading inflation). In 2016, both of the PF68 examples were acquired by the Augustus Collection, and in 2018 the PF69 example was acquired by the Augustus Collection. All three coins are now safely together again. These three coins are stunning modern numismatic rarities.
In a twist of fate, luck, or a bad omen associated with these nefarious coins ... not 10 minutes after completing the purchase of the prized PF69 example, a porto-potty blew off of the 58th floor of a high-rise building and landed 10 feet away from me on the ground. Yes, I was very nearly killed by a box of poo from the sky. Coincidence?!?
———————————-
Total population is unknown, but very few exist.The certification of the PF69 example is 17XXXXX-001, and this example is 17XXXXX-002. One more coin ending in -003 also exists, but NGC has 'deleted it from the registry (?). Very few examples known, only 3 certified by NGC.
Pedigree: ex. Tom Noe Collection, ex. Jim Halperin Collection, ex. Greg Manning Collection, ex. Mike Byers Collection, ex. Alan Hager Collection, Augustus Collection, 04/04/201Sat, 14 Apr 2018 17:45:00 +0000New Owner's Comment, The Roman Empire, Page 4 "Decadence" = 3-Sisters Caligula Sestertiushttps://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/238-new-owners-comment-the-roman-empire-page-4-decadence-3-sisters-caligula-sestertius/I just added my latest Owner's Comments, in this case, the subject was my "3-sisters Caligula sestertius". In particular, I used this slot within the Roman Empire to represent Julia Drusilla, widely described as Caligula's favorite sister.
There was a lot of interesting material to draw from for this essay, even if the ancient histories are rife with negative bias against Caligula. As a teaser, I will paste here the first paragraph of my Owner's Comments...
This ancient bronze bears the obverse bust of Gaius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, better known to history as Caligula, who, despite - or perhaps owing to – infamy remains a very popular Roman Emperor, at least among ancient coin hobbyists. This particular issue is noteworthy since the reverse features Caligula’s three sisters: Agrippina Sr. as the goddess Securitas, Julia Livilla as the goddess Fortuna, and Julia Drusilla (16 – 38 AD) as the goddess Concordia. Apocryphal or not, ancient histories describe Caligula’s incestuous escapades with his sistren. Given the combination of rarity, fascination, and historical significance, it is no wonder that this particular sestertius ranks among the most notorious of all Roman imperial issues.
If you wish to read more, please check out the Roman Empire Custom Set...
https://coins.www.collectors-society.com/wcm/coinview.aspx?sc=420963Mon, 09 Apr 2018 01:29:00 +0000Breast Cancer Awarenesshttps://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/237-breast-cancer-awareness/Hello Everybody,
I just received the Breast Cancer Awareness Commemoratives a few days ago and I thought I would share. The Mint did a nice job choosing the designs for this coin...which they don't seem to get right sometimes. The WWI comm is a good example. NGC did a good job with the label and the pink holder is a great touch when looking at the coin in hand. I just hope enough coins are sold so some money gets back to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Take Care Everybody
JeffreyThu, 05 Apr 2018 19:37:00 +0000PCGS Observations / Franklin Halveshttps://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/236-pcgs-observations-franklin-halves/Perhaps it is just me, but as I have collected Franklin Halves for some time, I have noticed that PCGS seems to be flooding the market with new (e.g. their newest holders, retro green and dark blue) certified coins which for the most part, in my opinion do not live up to standard to the grades that have been assigned. I am aware that PCGS basically ignores the top set of bell lines, which is a strike against them but I had purchased a few PCGS coins and thought, let me try a crossover of those coins that I felt would merit an NGC holder. Wouldn't you know it, I sent in 4 coins recently to cross and not one was crossed over at the same grade. In fact, one was CAC-stickered (and pictured here) and did not meet NGC's standards. I had thought that all 4 of these coins were worthy of crossing over and I had see plenty of newer PCGS certified coins that I would not buy because they were overgraded, in my opinion.Thu, 29 Mar 2018 12:43:07 +0000New Owners Comment's, The Roman Empire, Page 12 "Resurgence", Divus Nigrinianhttps://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/235-new-owners-comments-the-roman-empire-page-12-resurgence-divus-nigrinian/There was not a lot to talk about for this coin, except that is bears the half-length (some employ the descriptor “heroic”) bust of about Marcus Aurelius Nigrinianus (died circa 284 AD), who was probably the son of Emperor Carinus.
It is interesting to note that a review of electronically available information revealed eleven examples of this coin, comprising what appear to be only three, very similar and high-quality obverse die types (excluding slight variations presumably applied post-strike), but at least nine, relatively crude, and notably different reverse die types. It was probably the case that only master engravers cut obverse portraits, since their standardization was very important to the ancient Romans. The reverse, however, was more formulaic, and may have been delegated to less skilled engravers. These two dies were placed into a hinge, with the obverse die (i.e., more important image) placed in the anvil, and the punch was applied to the reverse die. As a result, reverse dies broke much more frequently, probably accounting for the discrepancy in reverse vs. obverse die types obverse.
I decided not to include my die analysis in my Owner's Comments *yet*, until I can conduct more comprehensive research to confirm this finding, and maybe even get some more expert opinions on this.Mon, 26 Mar 2018 12:56:55 +0000New Owner's Comments, Roman Empire, Page 10 "Crisis IV", Julius Marinushttps://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/234-new-owners-comments-roman-empire-page-10-crisis-iv-julius-marinus/I just posted another Owner's Comments for a coin in my NGC Ancients Custom Set "The Roman Empire".
This time, the comments are regarding an ancient bronze featuring Julius Marinus, father of Augustus Philip, a.k.a. Philip the Arab. Philip struck the coin to commemorate his father and advertse his father's apotheois, or transformation into a god.
This coin is very rare, and comes in two reverse types. This coin features seated (rather than standing) Roma, and she holds two figures. This is the rarer variant.
One detail I was curious about was researching the two figures on the coin's reverse. Who do they represent? Of course, we can't know for certain, but one can speculate. The list of candidates includes Julius Marinus, Philip's mother, Philip's brother, and Philip II (Philip's son).
Another interesting detail about the coin is that it includes the inscription of the town of Philippopolis, even though it may have been struck at Antioch.
We know very little about Julius Marinus, and he might have been entirely lost to history except for posthumous coins struck by his son.Thu, 22 Mar 2018 23:52:00 +0000Update to Roman Empire, Page 6, Crisis II, New Owner's Comments posted for Aquila Severa denariushttps://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/233-update-to-roman-empire-page-6-crisis-ii-new-owners-comments-posted-for-aquila-severa-denarius/I just posted a new "Owners Comments" on Page 6 (Crisis) of my NGC ancients custom set "The Roman Empire."
This new essay is for a denarius featuring Auqila Severa.
My opening thesis is that Severa's reign was one of the most unusual among all Roman Empresses. This statement is largely based on the belief that she was a vestal virgin, and thus sworn to 30 years of celibacy (and not allowed to marry). Even though all the ancient histories mention she was a vestal virgin, there are no surviving artifacts to confirm this. Even if she wasn't a vestal, her reign was unusual in that she was the 2nd and 4th wife of Elagabalus, the Emperor who was a fanatical devotee of the Syrian sun god Elagabal. Indeed, the first wedding between Severa and Elagabalus was actually a double wedding - simultaneously, there was a diving wedding between Elagabal and Vesta.
One of the points I pondered about this coin was that the reverse depiction of Concordia includes a star. Here is an excerpt of my thoughts on this..."Apparently, the pairing of Concordia with a star was unusual on Roman coins, and, interestingly, the exact same pairing can be found on the reverse of Roman denarii featuring Elagabalus’ previous wife, Julia Paula (for an example, see the preceding coin in this collection). It is reasonable to speculate that the star in this instance represents the eastern sun god. By extension, the message on this coin’s verso is to advertise not only the imperial couple’s concord, but also that between Elagabal and Vesta."
I haven't seen anyone else speculate this, so I am wondering if this is a reasonable hypothesis or not.
In any case, if you are interesting in learning more about Severa, please check out my Roman Empire Collection...https://coins.www.collectors-society.com/wcm/CoinCustomSetView.aspx?s=16365Tue, 20 Mar 2018 17:59:49 +0000New Owner's Comments, Page 3 "Succession" = Agrippina Srhttps://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/232-new-owners-comments-page-3-succession-agrippina-sr/I recently finished and posted to my NGC Ancients Custom Set entitled "The Roman Empire" my Owner's Comments regarding my sestertius featuring Agrippina Sr. For this essay, I decided to take the opportunity to provide some of my own personal musings regarding "raw" vs. "slabbed" ancient coins. This topic has obviously garnered much discussion on both extreme viewpoints, so I wanted to provide my own perspective.
Regarding Agrippina, she was quite a impressive woman for her time, and an important noblewomen of the Julio-Claudian dynasty: daughter of Agrippa and Julia, wife of Germanicus, and mother of Nero Julius Caesar, Drusus Julius Caesar, Gaius (better known and Caligula), Agrippina Jr., Julia Drusilla, and Julia Livilla. Sadly, her fate was to be defamed by Tiberius' infamous Praetorian Prefect Sejanus to the point that she was arrested and spent the last four years of her life confined to the island of Pandateria.
Regarding the coin, it exhibits extremely fine craftsmanship as struck by Agrippina's brother-in-law Claudius, who emulated the arguably more impressive issue struck earlier by Agrippina's son Caligula. Notably, Vagi describes these Agrippina portrait sestertii as "a height in Julio-Claudian artistry."
Regarding encapsulation of ancient coinage, I can't resist quoting the conclusion of my Owner's Comments wherein I opine about this sestertius' fine artistry: "Such artistry transcends clear plastic, even if some might draw parallels to the fate of this coin and its subject."Sun, 18 Mar 2018 04:16:00 +0000Coins from Aberdeenhttps://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/231-coins-from-aberdeen/In November of last year (2017), very shortly after I got my new job in October, I was sent to Aberdeen to visit the company’s home office for training and to meet all the people I’d be working with remotely face-to-face. My wife lived in England for 3 years and visited Scotand during that time and really wanted to go. We arranged for her parents to watch our son for a week, I bought her an extra ticket to come with me and she stayed in the hotel with me. Since the company was paying for the room it made for a cheap vacation for her. I still had to work during the day but we got plenty of time to do some sight-seeing and have some wonderful baby-free time, which is always good for a marriage.
It’s likely that I’ll return to Aberdeen periodically over time if I stay with the company long term but it won’t be terribly often – perhaps once every 2 years or so. My wife wanted to come along because, with our plans to grow or family among other things, we weren’t sure if she’d be able to go when and if the opportunity arose again and she really wanted to go. I’m glad she did. It was a great deal more enjoyable that way.
My wife recently dug through her purse to lighten her load and dug out a lot of residual English coinage from our trip. I separated the UK coinage from the American ones and I’m going to be hanging on to them. I need to get some flips to put them in. While we were there she also went by a bank and found a couple of fairly nice looking 10 pound notes for me to take home and those are now in my little currency album along with an old circulated Bar note that I was given by one of the other users here many years ago. They’re lightly circulated. Again, I’m sure they’re not terribly valuable and never will be as collectables, but they’re something I wanted to bring home from the trip nonetheless.
The coins are circulated and not particularly collectable, but they’ll be nice mementos of the trip and something to show to my son as he gets older.
When I was younger my grandmother, who passed last year, a few months before this trip, used to show me and gave me a bunch of old coins from places like Pakistan (dated around 1961), Argentina, Chile, Mexico, etc. My mother also had friends that brought us back coinage from Singapore, China, and Asian locations. These were coins that my grandfather brought home with him while he traveled for work as an engineer. I was the first male grandchild born after his death. I was named for him and these coins, which I still have, were a nice connection to that piece of my family history. They were a fun addition to my mother’s stories about being in Argentina and buying a whole bunch of French fries (papas fritas) when they thought they were ordering fried chicken (pollo frito).
My son, who is named for me in the same way that I was named for him, will hopefully enjoy seeing these and the older coins from his great grandfather as he gets older. Ben is turning 2 this month. I'll have a while to wait before I know for sure if he shares my interests in these things, but I know he likes shiny metal based on the way he likes to rifle through my silver eagles and sunshine mint rounds.
I brought him coins. My wife brought home lots of Cadbury chocolate. I think I did better there but the chocolate was good.Sat, 03 Mar 2018 20:27:24 +0000TRIBUTE TO THE LATE REV. DR. JAMES G.K. MCCLUREhttps://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/230-tribute-to-the-late-rev-dr-james-gk-mcclure/I acquired for Dynasty Collectors' Cabinet registry by private sale an 1828 N-3 MS64 Brown Middle-date Large Cent. This 1828 is among the finest known and was the best MS Brown Middle-date Large Cent from the over 3,000 coins collected by the Late Rev. Dr. James Gore King McClure. Heritage Auctions brought 800 of his coins to auction in June of 2016, with only six other MS Middle-date Large Cents being offered. I mention this to emphasize just how hard it is to find Mint State Middle-dates. NGC has a beautiful gallery of the Rev. Dr. James Gore King McClure Collection one can view @ www.ngccoin.com/gallery/mcclure
The Rev. Dr. James G.K. McClure passed in 1932. His daughter Harriet McClure Stuart, gave birth to Robert Douglas Stuart Jr. in 1916, so sometime after Robert was about sixteen years old, Grandfather's collection went from his home in Illinois to a safety deposit box at a bank. Young Robert D. Stuart went to Yale College, was C.E.O. of Quaker Oats Company for 38 years, sat on the boards of some Fortune 500 companies and was Ambassador to Norway from 1984-1989. Robert D. Stuart passed in May 2014. Then after roughly seven decades in a safety deposit box, the Great-Grandchildren(James M. Stuart, Marian S. Pillsbury, and Alexander D. Stuart) decided to auction them, recounting how their Dad told them GrandPa would tell how he came to acquire each one of the meticulously arranged coins in custom built trays. GrandPa was Rev. Dr. James G.K. McClure. He was the fourth Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Lake Forest, IL for 25 years, President of Lake Forest College and founder of the McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. An eloquent quote from an article he wrote in the 1890s read; "Interest in coins was a large feature of my boyhood days, and that interest, though a very minor part of life now, still exerts its influence, much as the perfume lingers about the vase that once held the flower."
Thank You to all the McClure and Stuart family participants for protecting and helping usher this lovely 1828 N-3 Large Cent into the Dynasty Collectors' Cabinet of Mint State Middle-date Large Cents. (See coin below)Sat, 03 Mar 2018 17:09:00 +0000The 105 year old French Bird in my househttps://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/229-the-105-year-old-french-bird-in-my-house/I picked this up in late 2017 but we were focused on the holidays and an upcoming move so I never go to log-on here and post about picking this up, or even add it to my registry.
Back in December my wife gave me the okay to pick up a small gold coin. The original idea I had in mind was to pick up an 1877 for my Netherlands 10G set. The 1877 is the last of the more common dates that I still don't own for that set and at the time leading up to her giving me the okay there was an MS66 on sale for a good price. Unfortunately, for me, that coin sold about 4 days before I got to buy something. The joys of life and timing sometimes I suppose. I wasn't too broken up about it. Unlike the 1888 that would pop up for sale 2 months later the 1877 comes up for sale pretty regularly in MS65 or MS66. I'll just have to be patient on that front for a while.
In the mean time, I'm never one to waste the wife saying it's okay for me to buy something golden, so I started looking around and saw a bunch of Swiss and French 20 Franc coins going for prices and grades that I was okay paying. I thought about it for a while. The Swiss 20 has been on my list for a while because it would form a nice pair with my 1922 Swiss 10 Franc, but I've thought it would be fun to have a Rooster for a while too. I ultimately decided on the rooster, picking up this MS64 from 1913 - the year before the start of WWI. Many European countries were putting out small gold coins with an AGW of about 0.19-0.20 troy ounces at the time. The fact that they're all about the same size and from the same time period makes them interesting to look at together and cross-compare. I'm going to be a bit more relaxed on grades with this set/project. I'll mostly be looking for MS65 or higher when I can find it for a nice price but I'm generally happy with MS64s, especially on 100+ year old coins. I'm try to be more particular with the 10Gs but that's a very special set for me.
I've been wanting to build up a collection of European gold type coins from the late Victorian era (late 19th century) and early 20th century. The years I'm wanting to target for this range roughly from 1875 (the year the Netherlands 10G set starts) to 1913 (the start of WWI). I picked up the Swiss 10 Franc from 1922 years ago mostly on a whim because it looked interesting and was going for a nice price, but I'm wanting to keep this project, as and if I get it off the ground, to mostly pre-WWI coins because the world was a very different place during and after that War than it was prior to it. I will have some deviations from this. I want to pick up some British Sovereigns from the George VI and early Elizabeth II period and I want to get at least one Netherlands 10G coin from during the reign of Wilhelm II (father Wilhelm III, ruling from about 1840-1849, short reign). I will also be looking for a 1920s Swiss 20 Franc to pair with the 10 Franc at some point too, just because I like the Swiss cross design on that coin.
I'll be excited to see in person is the French "Lucky Angel" design from the late 19th century, and it'll be fun to add some Italian gold because my wife lived there for several years as a child and Italy holds a special place in her heart.
Of course, that's quite a list, and I'm getting ahead of myself because it'll take me a while to get through that and beyond.
I'm expecting this to be my next major project as the Netherlands 10G set winds down for a while. Since those coins come up for sale so rarely I can't just buy more for the set whenever I want, so I'll need something else that's more flexible to play with while I wait.Sat, 24 Feb 2018 18:57:34 +0000Coin Photography as Macro Photographyhttps://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/227-coin-photography-as-macro-photography/I wanted to share a bit of new vs old photo results. Both the coin images are of the obverse of the 1876.
I set up my equipment the same way I usually do for macro photography of miniatures and other really small objects. I have a 105 mm f/2.8 VR Macro lens for my D600 and I added the 2x teleconverter so I could shoot really close in to the coin - having the coin fill most of the frame for really high resolution images - while still staying far enough back that I didn't get in the way of my light. I set up 2 speedlites. I initially was going to use both and have them behind the diffusion panels of the shadowbox but that was killing the luster in the images. I ended up just using one speedlite with a 1/128th full power setting undiffused. That gave me the results I liked the best. Using a small LED flash light to shine a little light on the coin made it much easier to autofocus with the lens. It's fairly dark in the shadowbox and the 2x teleconverter limits the effective aperture of the lens, making it hard to get enough light in for the autofocus to succeed without a little help. The circle of light projected by the flashlight also made it easier to keep the coins positioned consistently when swapping them out. Since the light from the small flashlight is so week it doesn't significantly impact the final image - the much more powerful speedlite dominates in the 1/100 of a second in which the image is taken.
Hopefully writing all of this down here will give me something to reference and help me remember later when I want to do this again. I'm including a picture of the set-up on the floor of the room I use as a home-office for now. I suppose it might be easier to do these things if I just set all of this up on a table and didn't force myself to flatten myself out on my stomach on the ground but... hey, I'm still fairly young (31) and don't have trouble getting back up... yet.
I was able to basically stand the slabs on their edge with them leaning ever so slightly back on the back of the shadowbox in some cases.
I think the new shots have much better detail, especially in his hair, beard and the field of the coin. They also look a lot sharper overall.
I'm not sure how this compares to how most others do it. Most of my camera equipment - except for the macro lens itself - was purchased for portrait and event photography and I generally find myself putting the same equipment to use here. I'd love to get a really nice lens-mounted ring-flash one of these days. I think that would provide the best and easiest lighting for something like this. But so far I just haven't been able to justify the cost.Mon, 19 Feb 2018 21:20:58 +0000First post of 2018!https://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/226-first-post-of-2018/Finally managed to figure out this "new" journal, and here we go:
Things happening in 2017:
Completed Japan 1000-Yen Proof set, huzzah!
Added and won 13 first ranked sets to my collection, yay!
Should have been 14 if I hadn't been lazy in entering the last Australia Stock Horse set
Should have been more than 14 had I known that 7 January 2018 was the date NGC distributed awards (need to pay more attention), not the deadline for award submissions, lol?
Lost my first place in the Somali cat set
Broke top 300
Things to do in 2018:
Add more coins to the newly added Australia Silver Proofs sets, 2010, 2011, 2012, etc until 2018
Complete Netherlands and other types of Wilhemina 2.5G silver coins, 1929-1944
Crossover some PCGS coins
Regain my first place in the Somali cat set (those 68s are killing my score, bah)
Break top 200
Things not to do in 2018:
Add more non maple RCM coins, they are legion,
Things to suggest to NGC if anyone from there actually reads this journal:
Combine and synchronize all the different country websites (I only use US and HK versions). The Hong Kong one is prettier than the US, but has no submission tracking
Accept crossover from ANACS slabs
Cheers.
below is the pretty page that the HK version (https://www.ngccoin.hk/) of NGC has (maybe the US version also has it, but I cannot find where it is)Mon, 19 Feb 2018 09:16:00 +0000Group Photos and re-imaginghttps://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/225-group-photos-and-re-imaging/Whenever I get a new coin for a set, provided it’s a smaller set that doesn’t require pulling out 20+ coins, it’s always fun to pull out all the coins in the set and look at them together. It can be a lot of fun with the larger sets too but it can also be a lot of work to find them all amongst the other coins, get them out and, eventually, put them all back.
When I get the new coin in for such a set I try to get new pictures done and this usually leads to new pictures being taken for the whole set.
Even if the pictures themselves aren’t the best in the world I think it makes the presentation overall a little more appealing if the pictures are at least done consistently with each other. The quality of the photos is something I’m still working on in this regard.
I’m not bad as a portrait photographer and have been paid to shoot tradeshow images for oil field services companies and symposia photos for universities. I have a really nice micro lens that I’ve used to take great shots of small figures in a light box. Coin photography is something I still struggle with. The reflective surface and the while holder with NGC just makes things hard.
Looking at the group of coins together, it’s pretty easy to see that I’ve been favoring older holders – old “fatty” holders in particular - with this set. I had been doing it mostly to make the set a little more visually consistent across all the coins in it – not always easy given how much the NGC slab in particular has changed over the years. I've also at time really liked the idea of building the set mostly with coins with 9-digit serial numbers mostly starting with 195 or 196. I had to give up on that a little bit when this 1888 came up for sale. Beggars can't be choosers in such cases. I was just thrilled to see a high grade 1888 at all and there's no way for me to even know if there is an 1888 out there in an old fatty holder still (if there ever was).
On of these years, when the set is complete, I’m hoping I can send them all in for re-holdering. It would be great to get them all into the same type/generation of slab, with the same label design, with the same invoice number and numbered chronologically from -001 to -010 (or -011 if I actually ever manage to find an 1877/9). I think that would be the ultimate way to show off the set visually. It might even be fun to have a custom label made for them at that point.
Given a long background in art and photography, presentation is and probably always will be important to me I think and when getting the coins graded the slabs themselves inevitably become part of the discussion of presentation.
Since I have tomorrow off for president's day I'm probably going to take some time and try for new pictures of these things. I guess we'll see how the pictures come out.
Maybe it's me, and maybe it's just the visual effect of having less white and more space around the coin, but when I saw the 1888 in the new holder it almost made it look bigger than the others.Sun, 18 Feb 2018 14:25:48 +0000Half way therehttps://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/224-half-way-there/Well, today was my much-anticipated day off because of my 9/80 schedule. The dealer shipped out the coin very promptly and I went to bed last night knowing that it was in town and due to be delivered on a day when I could be home to wait and sign for it – very useful with the seller requires a signature for delivery. I can’t say I blame him for it but I hate making trips to the post office for packages and this new post office we have has already lost one package for me in the 2 months since we moved here.
I had plenty of things to keep me busy and distracted while I waited. I needed to get laundry done, hang some pictures to work on making the house more “homey” and set-up a new printer. I don’t care how easy a printer company tries to make it – and they did a good job of that in this case – you will be busy for a while when you have to physically set the thing up out of the box and install it on 4 computers and a smartphone. But I think I scored some points with my wife for getting it set-up on her laptop, which is important too.
The coin arrived with a ring of the doorbell around 11:30 so I had it before lunch and it looks gorgeous.
I pleasantly surprised myself by not immediately dropping all of my housework to run to the computer and add it to my sets. I did take a minute to look at it and admire it before setting it back down and getting busy again. There will be plenty of time for that later. I’m going to have a lot of alone time this weekend while the wife is busy hauling the kid off to things and I get president’s day off, which she doesn’t. I find myself writing this now while I wait on some laundry to finish.
It’s really nice to get this coin at this point in my progress with the set. This coin is a major tipping point. Not only is it the lowest mintage year and the rarest coin with the possible exception of the 1877/9 but adding this coin to the set brings the set to over 50% complete. Officially, per the registry, the set is 45% complete, but my PCGS MS67 1875 would make it 54%.
I’m excited by NGC’s decision to make a membership tier available for ~$25 that allows for submissions. I’m hoping that will give me a workable means of getting that 1875 crossed at some point and that will let it join the rest of the set.
Gherrmann44 recently referenced that it took him 7 years to finish his Wilhelmina set and that made me think a bit. I think I bought the first coin for this set about 8 or 9 years ago. I'd have to go back and check. I just know it seems, feels and effectively was ages ago. I started it in my early 20s and chronically single and now find myself in my early 30s, married, with a son... and it's now half finished.
To be sure, it's not like I've been avidly hunting for an 11 coin set for nearly a decade. I've been away from it for years at a time while I've had other collecting priorities and just other priorities in life in general. The last coin for the set was purchased 20 months ago. I got laid off 3 months after that and spent the next 12 months jobless, generally happy to just not have to sell any of them, though I think this set would be one of the last things I sold if I had to.
It has been and will be a long road to finish this. But I have big plans and big dreams for this set - most of which I'm sure will make my wife of 2 years roll her eyes. But, hey, this project is older than the marriage and she knew I was a freak about this stuff before she said "I do."Fri, 16 Feb 2018 20:37:22 +0000The Beginninghttps://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/223-the-beginning/Today I am 63. My journey with coincollecting began in 1961, I was 6 1/2 (the half was very important!); I was living in San Diego, just having moved from Key West Florida. I had discovered a box of pennies that my parents kept for when they played Pinochle. As I looked through the box I saw pennies from the 20’s and 30’s. As I looked at the pennies more I noticed most of them didn’t have anything below the date, but some had D’s And S’s. I asked my mom what they meant, she wasn’t certain.
A few weeks later I was in Woolworths and there was a section that sold coins. I had one of the pennies with an D under the date. I showed it to the man behind the counter and asked what the D was. He began to tell me all about the various mints, and how to identify them by the various letters. The penny I was holding was a 1912 D, the D represented Denver. I was so amazed that just looking at the coin, someone could tell me where the penny was made. Next the man showed me a blue Whitman folder, inside there were numerous holes with dates and mint marks for each hole. He showed me exactly where the penny I had would be placed. I was hooked! I ran home and immediately asked my mom for 48 cents to buy the Blue Whitman folder; she gave me the typical mom response “We’ll see”. I would not let it go. Finally, after weeks of pleading she finally relented and took me to Woolworth’s to buy my blue Whitman’s 1909 -1940 penny album.
The car was barely parked before I bolted out and was heading for the penny box. As I picked out each coin, I looked at the date and associated mint mark looking for the empty hole that would soon be filled. Within an hour, I had gone through the entire box and only filled about 20 of the empty holes. There were plenty of 30’s and 40’s, a few 20’s, but the coins in the Teens and earlier were mostly missing. Next, I asked my parents to empty their pockets of change - nothing! I was on a quest - at 6 1/2, I had a quest. Nothing was going to stop me from filling that album.
Whenever anyone new entered our house, I pounce on them asking to look through their change. Occasionally, I’d get lucky and fill a hole, but for the most part, filling the album was becoming very daunting. On one of my trips to Woolworth’s I noticed another Whitman penny album, 1941 -. Returning back home I revisited the penny stash; to my amazement a lot of the pennies in the stash were contained in that album. The pleading again began with my mom; this time conditions came with the purchase. Three weeks later after numerous chores and added responsibilities, I was the proud owner of my second Whitman Lincoln folder.
Again, I attacked the penny stash, this time though, I was much more successful! There were plenty of 40’s and 50’s coins, so much so that I was able to fill most of the album. The only glaring hole I had was the 1943’s. Those coins from 1943 eluded me; not a single one showed up anywhere I looked.
Next Week: My first Red BookWed, 14 Feb 2018 04:44:03 +0000The Key Date!https://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/222-the-key-date/I finally found an 1888 for a price I could afford and which I was comfortable paying.
I have eBay send me emails whenever things pop up that could potentially be a match for this set. The search is deliberately broad so most of the items that pop up aren't of interest but it helps make sure I know it when something good pops up.
Last week an 1888 came up for sale in MS65 graded by NGC. The seller had great feedback and is an NGC and PCGS member/submitter. Everything looked great.
This is a very hard coin to find. Only 35,585 were made 130 years ago. Only 20 are graded by NGC and only 6 of those are graded MS-65 or better. In the years I've been building this set I've only seen 1 other 1888 come up for sale and it was an MS-62 that the seller wanted $875.00. At the time I tried to offer the seller about $650 - more than reasonable, but they still wanted over $800, counter offering with $825, so I passed. That coin sat on eBay for years and cost them who-knows-what in listing fees but didn't sell because the coin wasn't worth what they were asking. It finally disappeared off eBay. I don't know if someone finally bit the bullet or they just gave up.
This MS-65 was an auction, not a BIN, and it started at $400 + $7 shipping, so this was a true chance for the coin to sell for what it was worth and not some inflated price that someone was hoping for. I did a bit of pleading and convinced my wife to let me bid on it. The timing was good. My long streak of unemployment ended several months ago and we've made it past the worst of our financial hard times. A few months ago this purchase would have been unthinkable. As it is, I wasn't really looking to pick up a gold coin this month but when an opportunity like this comes along you can't pass it up. No telling when you'll see another for sale at a reasonable price.
I watched the auction closely all weekend. Finally got to Monday and it was still going for just a bit over the $400 starting bid. I was watching it obsessively on Monday.
After we got our son to bed I sat down on the bed with my wife, turned on some Breaking Bad, flipped open the laptop and settled in. I put in my final bid with about 1.5 minutes left, cringing slightly and hoping it wouldn't go as high as I was bidding but willing to do it if it got me the coin. I was beating the other bidder with a price of $493 - a steal for this coin IMO. I watched the final seconds tick down almost afraid to breathe. 8 people were watching the coin but only 3 had bid. I was sure there would be a last second bid that would run it up or maybe take it from me but the bid never came. I won the coin for $500 after shipping.
I know it's sometimes hard to put much stock in price guides - especially for coins that come up for sale so rarely - but the NGC price guide lists the coin at $550 in MS-63. An 1875 in this series in MS-65 usually goes for $380-450. They minted 4.1 million of them this year and compared to the low-mintage 1888, the 1875 is as common as sand on the beach. You always see some of them up for sale, usually several. To me, getting this coin for barely $100 over the most common date in the series is a major win.
I've paid for the coin and can't wait for it to get here and add it to my set. It is estimated to arrive on Friday - a day I have off as it happens because of the 9/80 schedule I work. I think it could be a very good day.Tue, 13 Feb 2018 13:45:00 +0000New Owner's Comments, Page 7 Golden Age II, Pseudo-autonomous Coinagehttps://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/221-new-owners-comments-page-7-golden-age-ii-pseudo-autonomous-coinage/Latest update is that I posted my Owner's Comments on an Apollonian bronze, struck during the time of the Antonine dynasty. Here are comments (for a picture of the obverse and reverse, please see the Roman Empire collection posted on the NGC Ancients, Custom Sets...
Ancient Roman coins denoted as “pseudo-autonomous” are generally defined as issues struck by cities and provinces under the suzerainty of Rome, yet lacking an imperial obverse portrait. Such coins not only bear historical importance, but also provide for interesting and artistic numismatic designs. The current coin, dating from Rome’s golden age under the rule of the Antonine dynasty (138-192 AD) provides a noteworthy example.
The strike occurred at the ancient Asia Minor city of Apollonis, whose eponym was wife to Attalus I, first of that dynasty to reign as King of Permagon around late 3rd century BC. Attalus I’s son and successor, Eumenes II, decreed the creation of Apollonis through a synoecism (a mechanism whereby the ancient Greeks amalgamated villages into city-states, similar to the modern concept of incorporation of a city). Succeeding Eumenes II was his son Attalus III, who, dying childless in 133 BC, bequeathed his lands to Rome.
By the time this coin was struck, Apollonis was firmly under Rome’s suzerainty. Judging from this ancient bronze, the region held fast to its Hellenistic roots. The obverse features the helmeted bust of the pantheonic goddess Athena. To the ancient Greeks, Athena was one of the most powerful among all deities. She represented a goddess of war; appropriately, she appears on this coin wearing an aegis and brandishing a formidable spear over her shoulder. While a fearsome warrior, Athena only fought to repel outside enemies. As such, many metropolises, presumably including Apollonis, worshipped Athena as their city’s own divine protector. Athena’s talents didn’t stop there. She also was goddess of other concepts such as handicrafts and agriculture. Her impressive list of inventions included the bridle and yoke (facilitating domestication of animals), the pot, the rake, and even the ship and the chariot.
Complementing Athena on the coin's reverse is Tyche, the Greek goddess representing fortune and destiny, particularly over a city. Tyche was thought to preside over prosperity as well as disasters; no wonder she had a faithful following. Many Greek cities, presumably including Apollonis, established their own local franchise for the goddess. Tyche’s attire provides clues to the goddess’ role in controlling the city’s fortunes. Her kismetic vestments include a polos (a cylindrical crown inviting parallels to city walls), a gubernaculum (a ship’s rudder), and, of course, a cornucopia.
Pseudo-autonomous coinage was produced at Apollonis until at least late 2nd century AD, at which time - curiously- contemporaneous issues from that mint bore the busts of Roman Emperors and Empresses. The Roman provincial mint at Apollonis continued to strike coins until at least the reign of Augustus Severus Alexander. Apollonian coins are generally rare, since the mint was not particularly prolific. In the case of this particular civic issue, a seminal numismatic reference cites only three specimens.
Coin Details: LYDIA, Apollonis, Pseudo-autonomous, circa 138-192 AD (Antonine dynasty), AE (3.12g, 18mm), NGC Grade: AU, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 3/5, Obverse: Helmeted bust of Athena right, wearing aegis and with spear over shoulder, Reverse: Tyche standing left, wearing polos, holding gubernaculum and cornucopia, ΑΠΟΛΛΩΝΙΔЄΩΝ, References: RPC IV online 2490 (only 3 examples cited); SNG von Aulock -; SNG Copenhagen -; BMC 12-3.Mon, 12 Feb 2018 04:22:32 +0000Stepping Up Againhttps://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/220-stepping-up-again/Hi Friends,
I have accomplished quite a nice little set of Jefferson nickels over the past few years. I am not one to run around looking for nickels but have been fortunate to get plenty offered as trades over the past few years. This January I was offered around 5 nickels in a value trade of $1000+. Adding those few more just step the set up even more. I enjoy interacting with others sets and helping them get to their goals on their collection. Here are a few of the new members of the Jefferson Steps.
Fun traders!!
I will take a little extra time later on to get better pics showing the steps.
Later---RickThu, 08 Feb 2018 12:46:04 +0000New Owner's Comments = Colosseum Opening Denarius, Page 5, PERSEVERANCEhttps://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/219-new-owners-comments-colosseum-opening-denarius-page-5-perseverance/Another update to "The Roman Empire" NGC Ancients Custom Set.
I just posted my latest Owner's Comments for a Titus denarius that was issued for the Colosseum opening.
Please take a look if you are interested in learning more. I found a lot of fascinating material for this essay. I used the opportunity to talk about the accomplishments of ancient Roman engineers. As an engineer myself, I find the these achievements rather remarkable. As testimony, consider that not only is much of the Colosseum still standing, its annual attendance rivals that of two millennia ago!
Here is a link to that particular coin and the accompanying Owner's Comments...
https://coins.www.collectors-society.com/wcm/coinview.aspx?sc=450513Sat, 27 Jan 2018 18:51:51 +0000New Owner's Comments = Matidia, Page 6, GOLDEN AGE Ihttps://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/218-new-owners-comments-matidia-page-6-golden-age-i/Another quick update on my NGC Ancients Custom Set "The Roman Empire".
I have posted my Owner's Comments on my ancient bronze representing Matidia. Since we don't know very much about Matidia, my comments are pretty short for this coin, which may be one of as few as nine remaining.Sun, 21 Jan 2018 00:39:59 +0000defining my collection perimeters.https://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/217-defining-my-collection-perimeters/I'll begin using 'scd' in place of 'So-Called Dollar'
In the beginning I had to learn to grade scd's from photos, learn the differences in copper bronze and brass as opposed to copper and toning of each metal, "white metal" and even lead. I have one gold scd and want no more.
Years of poor inventory control placed me in a unique situation. At one point I kept some scd's in Airtite containers in albums, others in 2" x 2" coin flaps in a desk drawer and a growing number of graded SCD's in 20 holder boxes. My list and collection totals didn't match for years. Oddly, this "collector head space"(in Army electronics repair, user error was referred to as, "Operator Head Space") and cataracts aided in purchasing scd's which are unlisted in both "SCD" editions. Upgrading my SCD's has given the 'collection' a number of duplicates, some graded. The HK-366a I believed I owned. is an unlisted, 32.1 mm So-Called Dollar as described on J. Raymond's site:
http://www.socalleddollar.com/aaunlisteds.html
I never thought I could complete a Alaska-Yukon Pacific Expo. until I purchased The 1909 SCD, HK-356A Alaska=Yukon Pacific medal. My collection has (at this time) a mis-graded HK-364 medal and three unlisted Alaska-Yukon Pacific So-Called Dollars. I need only the below medals to complete a registry set.
HK-358 Utah Dollar, Ag
HK-361 President Taft Dollar, AYPE
HK-363 Seward-Chief Seattle Dollar, br
HK-364a U.S. Government bldg
I have SCD's and Early Commemorative Half Dollars. to offer in a trade for SCD's I need to complete my Alaska-Yukon Pacific collection.
Go to your local coin store and ask to see examples of so-called dollars... - Anonymous SCD JokesterSat, 20 Jan 2018 23:19:00 +0000RMW Collection of England and Great Britainhttps://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/216-rmw-collection-of-england-and-great-britain/Here are a 1753 and 1772 halfpenny, both in NGC 65.
Bid on before my diagnosis. Dies on the 1753 were rusty but its still an attractive piece.Wed, 17 Jan 2018 16:49:44 +0000Wildman Coinshttps://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/215-wildman-coins/A few years ago one of the large coin magazines had an article on expanding your collecting interests and mentioned Wildman coins. I found the article interesting but kind of forgot about it until I ran across one on ebay. It had duel importance to me because if was also formerly part of the Eric Newman collection, a numismatist that I greatly admire. Side note: the new Eric Newman biography "Truth Seeker" is well worth reading.
I grew up helping my grandfather with his collection. All of my early numismatic education came from him. His favorite coins were the "V" nickels. He talked frequently about the rare 1913 issue and told me stories about the "No Cents" issue. We would spend hours sorting coins and building Lincoln Cent sets that he gave to family members. He never purchased a coin even though it meant never finding his No Cents Liberty nickel. I filled the whole with a nice uncirculated piece but it looks out of place. All of his coins came out of circulation. His liberty head collection was filled with coins most collectors would consider fillers but they are priceless to me. His collecting habits influenced me greatly. Yes, I purchase coins, but proof and high grade mint state coins don't do it for me. I appreciate them but I don't get the same rush as holding a nice 200 year old XF coin in my hand. Think of the tales it could tell.
I was fortunate to inherit his collection when he passed and continued to work on building his sets and only rarely upgraded his coins. In addition I purchased a small collection belonging to my aunt.
At some point I decided that it would be a good idea to start a large cent date set. My grandfather didn't have any in his collection. I am still working on this set but as the holes became increasingly expensive and I was making additions less frequently I got bored.
Due to my love of large cents I started searching out large diameter copper and bronze world coins which makes up the bulk of my recent new additions. I tend to gravitate towards crude pieces and generally don't mind coins with minor problems.
I still enjoy my US coins, primarily Large Cents, but I am realistic in my expectations for future additions. Recently I have been reading a lot about the 1776 Continental dollars. It is not realistic for me to obtain one but there a number of world coins available from the same year for a very reasonable price. I happen to have a 1776 Wildman coin. My dream coin is a 1793 chain cent but I have the same problem with this coin.
Wildman History
1) Around AD250 the Greeks referred to anybody that wasn't Greek as being wildmen or uncivilized.
2) Early Middle Ages - one story is about Merlin. After the woman he loved he went in to the forest and lived as a Wildman. He would occasionally return to the forest and have no recollection of his civilized life.
3) Later Middle Ages - the medieval Wildman represented a physical type that was definitely human with racial characteristics similar to those of Europeans. Hair covered everything except there face, hands, feet, elbows and knees. Described as everything from dwarfish to giant in size but always with super human strength. They were frequently pictured with an uprooted tree or club.
As European's migrated to the new world they brought the Wildman myths with them (think Bigfoot).
The mythical Wildman was blamed for unexplained calamities and quirks of nature including missing persons and crop failures. Wildman stories were used to frighten children into obedience. Wildmen were considered to be protectors of the forests and to be feared due to their wild unpredictable nature.
It was believed that if you carried a likeness of the Wildman it would protect you from him. This is a major reason why these coins are typically well worn and often founded mounted in jewelry.
Issuers of wildman coins and medals include various German states, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Great Britain, Denmark, Finland, Greece including Crete, and Switzerland
So why do most of these coins come from Brunswick?
I have searched and can find no definitive answers but did find two books I brought have what I hope are clues.
References
1) "Wildmen in the Looking Glass - The Mythic Origins of European Otherness" - very dry and an excellent cure for insomnia. Dissects why people felt the need to create the Wildman myths.
2) "The Wildman - Medieval Myth and Symbolism" - Free to download from The Metropolitan Museum of Art or you can purchase a hard copy from other sources for $200+
Neither of these titles are numismatic references although the 2nd title does feature 2 coins on page 162 minted during the reign of Heinrich IX the Younger in Brunswich-Wolfenbuttel. He was considered to be unrestrained, aggressive and destructive. He was rumored to have burned a set fire to and burned an entire town to the ground. His own population referred to as a Wildman. Heinrich had coins minted with his likeness on the obverse and a Wildman on the reverse. Some of these showed the Wildman holding a flame as a not so veiled threat of what he was capable of.
So, did this simply start the trend and they just stayed with it, or was it more of a mascot or was it due to extreme superstition.
Wildman coins have become a hot item with a lot more collectors actively seeking them out. You can typically find a couple of dozen examples listed on ebay. I don't consider any individual issue common and actual mintage data is typically unknown. These were minted from the 1500's to the early 1800's although I have never seen any from the 1500's for sale. Mint state examples are not found often. One sold this week in a Heritage auction at the NY show in MS64. Judging by the pictures I wasn't impressed. Judging by the price realized the other bidders weren't very impressed either. These issue are often poorly struck due to the technology of the time.
All of my graded Wildman coins can be seen in my custom set at: https://coins.www.collectors-society.com/WCM/CoinCustomSetView.aspx?s=20282Wed, 17 Jan 2018 15:34:58 +0000New Owner's Comments = Plotina, Page 6, GOLDEN AGE Ihttps://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/214-new-owners-comments-plotina-page-6-golden-age-i/After a bit of a hiatus, I managed to finish another Owner's Comments
(Note: I am trying to keep up, as I try *not* to add any more new coins until I post Comments for all the current ones!)
This time, the essay is about my ancient bronze featuring Empress Plotina, wife to Emperor Hadrian. This coin is part of Page 6 = GOLDEN AGE I.
This coin graded as XF, Strike = 4/5, Surface = 4/5, which is a very respectable grade for this issue. It was struck in Gordus-Julia around 112-117 AD. I have seen about a dozen or so examples illustrated, and I would say that this specimen could be among the finest. It has a very nice observe portrait, replete with imperial pompadour (about which I also provide some further commentary in my essay!)
As I detail in my Owner's Comments, Plotina was a fascinating Empress. She should be considered a "good" Empress, complementing her "good" Emperor. As an indication of her virtue, she refused to be called Augusta when Trajan first became Augustus. Instead, she chose to earn the honor. She was also highly intelligent, in particular, I was fascinated by her devotion to the Epicurean "Garden" school of philosophy. In her old age, she even kept active correspondence with her husbands successor, Hadrian, regarding who should be leading the school. As an excerpt, here is my final paragraph on my Owner's Comments...
Through her actions, Plotina played a critical role in sustaining Rome’s Golden Age. In 117 AD, she convinced her dying husband to officially name Hadrian as successor. Evidently, Trajan was too weak to execute the appropriate documents, so Plotina signed the will in his stead. An alternative, highly unlikely viewpoint is that Plotina forged the will to place Hadrian on Rome’s throne. Either way, Plotina, who did not bear Trajan any children, secured the Empire another good Emperor.
.Wed, 17 Jan 2018 07:15:26 +0000Silver Eagles, 1986-Date, Mint State, Specimen, and Proof, Including Varieties Sethttps://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/213-silver-eagles-1986-date-mint-state-specimen-and-proof-including-varieties-set/As those who read me know, I only collect American Silver Eagles. I'm not an expect by any means, but it would seem to me that a complete collection including varieties would include all varieties. not just some. This set has made varieties of where they were minted without a mint mark, yet, there are not any slots for the Annual Dollar Silver Eagles from 2007, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, or 2016. NGC has graded them as being from the Annual Dollar Set.
NGC currently has 114 slots in the current set listing of which I have 111 with the 2018 already ordered plus a couple that don't have slots yet, but I'm sure will as they are in the other years prior. NGC should add these slots so we can collect a COMPLETE set as the set's name states.
If anyone knows of any varieties of Silver Eagles not list for this set, please let me know. Thanks in advance.
freeriderWed, 17 Jan 2018 04:30:08 +0000MISSING AWARDhttps://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/212-missing-award/At the deadline for entering coins for the awards, I had the #1 Proof Presidential set in the Registry. No mention of it in the downloads section. I also had the #2 set at the end, for this year, yet that was only close. Someone got an undeserved award, and I still am near the top. Collecting this set was a passion. There was only one top set. I tried.Tue, 16 Jan 2018 01:15:00 +0000So-Called Dollarshttps://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/211-so-called-dollars/Mon, 15 Jan 2018 22:09:00 +0000Older and Wiserhttps://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/210-older-and-wiser/I always thought it to be a shame if a person only grows older without growing any wiser. People often classify such a person as a fool. Concerning my relationship to coin collecting, wiser after so many years has finally come!
After going trailblazers buying Morgan Dollars several years ago, I had lost interest in the series and finally sold off much of my collection in 2017. Now my interest in Morgan Dollars only includes the following: MS-65 and higher Morgan’s, GSAs, and Carson City Morgan’s. The rest, more than 40 coins in all, were sold, most at a loss to acquire the coins that today represent my real passion.
At that time several years ago, I was adding Morgan’s to my collection at a rate of two or three coins a month. E-Bay was an addicting and all too easy venue for me to buy coins. It became as if, “I see, I like, I buy.” Never mind if I saw a coin, bought it, and only a few days later saw one I liked better and bought that one. I often rationalized that purchasing the new coin was subsidized by the old coin. To tell the truth, I was compulsively and indiscriminately buying coins. This no-win situation only robbed me of my numismatic passion and subsequently turned me into a numismatic fool.
My Laura Gardin Fraser collection has taught me the patience needed to not only enjoy coin collecting but to do it at a pace that is both reasonable and results in buying quality coins that will never need to be upgraded. You see, when the coins and medals you need in your collection rarely make an appearance on the open market, you have to learn patience. Patience then is a good indicator of passion. If I have no patience, I have no passion resulting in burnout. So far, I haven’t lost patience with my LGF set and now don’t expect that I will. In fact, I just picked up two scarce pieces at bargain basement prices, one with a mintage of only 30! I will post more about those later.
That said, I will not be branching out into other numismatic ventures other than the following:
• Allegorical and inspirational women featured on worldwide coinage. Since my wife’s mother died of breast cancer, I will be buying the “pink” gold half-eagle going on sale by the US Mint in March.
• Seated imagery featured on worldwide coinage.
• A US gold typeset featuring all the major varieties from 1834-1933, less the 1907 high relief St. Gaudens double-eagle. (Only the prohibitive price tag keeps me from acquiring that one.)
• High-grade Morgan dollars, Carson City dollars, and GSA’s.
• Final upgrades to my 7070 US type set purchased on my behalf by a dealer friend of mine.
• …And of course my Laura Gardin Fraser coin and medal set!
My dealer friend buys attractive coins for my 7070 type set from my want list in the grades that I can afford. My want list is a five year plan to acquire the coins that I will never have to upgrade and so finally complete a set that I will be proud to own going into retirement. This dealer friend also attends all the coin shows that I cannot. Thus, I am learning to patiently acquire coins via one of the oldest of collector venues, “The Coin Show.”
Coins shows also give my dealer friend a chance to sell or trade my old coins at the best price possible. Therein is yet another opportunity for me to learn patience especially for my VG-10 1893-S Morgan. My friend held that coin for close to a year before finding a suitable buyer at the January FUN show.
In 2017 I spent most of the proceeds of my Morgan sale to purchase coins to fill my gold type collection. Now only the no-motto half-eagle and no-motto Indian Head Eagle remain. Additionally, I am waiting until the spot price of gold goes much higher to sell the gold coins I purchased long ago and recently upgraded. This again is another opportunity for me to learn patience since many of those coins I purchased when gold was close to $2000/oz.
In 2018, I expect my new purchases to be far fewer as I move more towards quality over quantity. So far this year with the proceeds from the 93-S Morgan I bought a beautiful E-bay purchased MS-64 1908 no-motto St Gaudens Double-Eagle and a FUN show pick-up, MS-66 1913 ty 1 Buffalo Nickel for my 7070 type set. I purchased both these coins with a couple hundred dollars to spare.
Needless to say these two coins are not subject to upgrades as they are absolutely gorgeous for their grades. Through the patience of selectively purchasing only those coins that fit my narrowly defined passion, have I finally become wise.Mon, 15 Jan 2018 22:02:30 +0000My Silver Riders are Galloping Awayhttps://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/209-my-silver-riders-are-galloping-away/2017 was a tipping point for me. After many years of relentless collecting, I slowed down to the point where I only purchased four coins, and actually sold four coins. Three of those that I let go were Silver Riders -- ducatons of the Dutch Republic. You will find these beauties cataloged under the coins of the Netherlands, or more properly The Kingdom of the Netherlands as the modern nation is a constitutional monarchy. Back in the 16th century, seven of the Low Country provinces threw off Spanish Habsburg rule and formed a globe spanning mercantile empire. In North America, the Dutch established the colony of New Netherland in the early 17th century and its capital at New Amsterdam in 1625 (later renamed New York in 1664 after its capture by the English).
The Dutch Republic minted several crown sized silver coins with the ducaton having the higher value of 60 stuivers. Produced from 1659 to 1798, the ducaton got the nickname of "Silver Rider" from its obverse design of a mounted knight. The reverse shows the coat of arms of the republic, with the lion holding a sheaf of arrows, symbolizing the unity of the provinces, and brandishing a sword in defense of their liberty. These are impressive coins -- 43-44 mm, 32.78 g and 91.4% silver.
My initial foray into collecting ducatons was filled with mistakes due to lack of study and patience. For those of you that might consider collecting a nice example, do your homework and take your time. There are rare types but most are not particularly scarce; well struck, problem-free examples from the provinces with the largest mintages are not expensive relative to other contemporary world crowns. However, there are plenty of examples with issues and all three of the ones that I sold recently fall into that category. Two of them came from shipwrecks and show varying degrees of environmental damage. The one that I was happiest to sell is the one pictured here. This example is from the province of West Friesland and has a very nice obverse but a weakly struck reverse. When I previewed the auction I decided to pass on it because of the poor eye appeal of the reverse. But in the middle of the on-line bidding, I only looked at the obverse and forgot why I initially passed.
Selling my coins couldn't have been easier. They were all originally purchased in Heritage Auctions and they were sold through the Heritage "make offer to owner" program. I set the prices as low as I could to account for the 10% (minimum $40) commission and still get close to breaking even. Then you wait and either accept an offer at your price or negotiate if a lower one comes in. It's all conducted through email and the Heritage website -- you mail your coin to Heritage so your anonymity is maintained. Going forward, I feel my collection has matured and I want to sell coins that are not part of the core. I'm not in a rush -- my plan is to try selling in a variety of venues with breaking even as my goal. As for Silver Riders, I still have a few better examples -- notably a 1760 AU-58 from West Friesland in my Silver Dollars of '60 set and a 1791 MS-63 from Utrecht that will get a place in a new set I'm calling "My World Crown Affair".
~jackFri, 12 Jan 2018 19:52:00 +0000RMW Collection of England and Great Britainhttps://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/208-rmw-collection-of-england-and-great-britain/Yesterday, I had the phone call/meeting with doctors which made me realize that my remaining time is short.
I have a second form of cancer now.
Truth be told, I have been quickly accumulating thinking in the back of my mind that this could happen. It has, just more quickly than I expected.
So, rather than continuing to accumulate, I will have to sell the collection I love to the next set of renters of these pieces.
I dont know how it will be done yet as there are various avenues, thru auction houses and retail dealers on a conseignment basis, to do so.
Readers of these pages can scan thru them to see the highlights. There are some more. I must have well over a hundred top graded pieces for their type, probably a lot more.
I do have a catalogue of my British collection which is available if requested. There are some pieces from other countries as well.
I am sorry to have to post this.
Mike WattFri, 12 Jan 2018 13:28:40 +00001932 $10 MS 64+ (Grading missed Doubling and misstrike)https://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/207-1932-10-ms-64-grading-missed-doubling-and-misstrike/I was very surprised on this example acquired at HA. The grader missed a star mis-strike on Liberty’s cheek and a rolled U on the reverse that is easily identifiable without a loupe.Sat, 06 Jan 2018 21:37:33 +00001812 BD-1 Half Eagle, MS61 Wide Denominationhttps://www.ngccoin.com/boards/blogs/entry/206-1812-bd-1-half-eagle-ms61-wide-denomination/1812 BD-1 Half Eagle, MS61
Wide Denomination
1812 $5 BD-1, R.3, MS61 NGC. Bass-Dannreuther Die State a/a with no evidence of clash marks on either side of this splendid specimen. The two varieties of 1812 half eagles represent the last year of John Reich's Capped Bust Left design. The obverse and reverse were each modified for coinage the following year, with the obverse depicting the Capped Head design. The reverse modification created a smaller eagle with the leaves farther from the border and the claws and arrow feather farther from the denomination. This lovely lemon-yellow example has frosty luster and pleasing surfaces that exhibit inconsequential, microscopic marks. Census: 0 in 61 - census is incorrect on this specimen at both NGC and PCGS.Sat, 06 Jan 2018 21:18:40 +0000